Bermuda’s history is rooted in injustice and resistance. From the cruelty of slavery, our ancestors rose with dignity and defiance, affirming their humanity and fuelling movements for emancipation. Mary Prince’s voice strengthened a global abolition campaign, and the 1835 liberation of enslaved people from the American ship the Enterprise marked Bermuda as a place where justice could prevail through solidarity and moral clarity.

This legacy of collective action continued into the 20th century, when Bermudians stood with South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement and advanced models of peaceful collaboration in times of social unrest — which reflects Bob Marley’s words “... until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all ….”

We have repeatedly affirmed a simple truth: every life is precious.

We, the undersigned individuals and organisations, have stood in that tradition. Through marches, vigils, public education and advocacy, we have consistently called for an end to the genocide unfolding in Gaza.

For the past 19 months, the Israeli regime — with the full backing of the United States Government — has carried out a brutal and unprecedented assault on the Palestinian people. The scale of suffering and destruction, streamed in real time, defies all norms of human decency and international law.

Local advocacy groups, such as the Peace Collective, Social Justice Bermuda, the Muslim Community of Bermuda, Progressive Minds and Bermuda Is Love have played an active role in calling for a ceasefire.

Despite the complicity of many governments, global grassroot movements have risen in protest. We join them in the belief that this pressure helps to drive a symbolic, political shift.

We acknowledge the May 19 joint statement from the governments of Britain, France, Netherlands and Canada warning of sanctions should the following not occur:

• A full end to the blockade of food, water and medicine into Gaza

• An immediate ceasefire and release of prisoners

• UN oversight of humanitarian aid

• Long-term negotiations towards justice and peace

We support these demands and will continue to raise awareness, organise and call for accountability. Many governments, including Bermuda and Britain, have yet to meet their legal obligations under international law, particularly those outlined in the Genocide Convention and the Apartheid Convention.

Governments are required to not only refrain from committing genocide but also prevent and punish it — this duty is immediate and binding.

We call on the Government and people of Bermuda to speak out and act in the spirit of our history, and invite them to join this growing consensus regarding the existential crisis facing the people of Gaza, thus acting from the best of our shared legacy.

This is not a moment for silence. It is a moment for courage, compassion and unwavering commitment to life, human dignity and justice for all.

We invite you to join us on a Walk For Palestine on June 21 at 5pm, when we will be meeting outside the Cabinet Office, before walking to City Hall for a community gathering in support of international solidarity with Palestine.

• Walking For Palestine is supported by Imagine Bermuda, the Human Rights Commission, Peace Collective, Social Justice Bermuda, Bermuda Islamic Cultural Centre, Progressive Minds, Bermuda Is Love, Bermuda Wellness Space and Bermuda Youth Connect